Two wins, one defeat with credit and top spot in the northern pool: France’s summer tour delivered what was asked of it. On 12 points, they lead Ireland (10) at the halfway stage of the competition. What remains to be seen is what that lead is really worth, four months before the autumn reunion.
One pool, but no head-to-heads
The format takes some getting used to. The Nations Championship brings together 12 teams split into two conferences of six: the northern hemisphere on one side, the southern on the other. But each nation plays only the six teams from the other conference, three in the summer and three in the autumn.
In other words, France, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Italy share the same northern pool without ever meeting each other in the competition. There will be no France v Ireland and no France v England: France are ranked purely on their results against the south.
That is what makes top spot unusual. France and Ireland are engaged in a duel at a distance, each on their own fixture list of opponents from the other hemisphere. Whoever banks the most points against the south finishes ahead.
A controlled first half of the campaign
The record is clear. Beaten by a whisker by New Zealand (32-34) in their opener, France then beat Australia comfortably (42-26) and Japan likewise (42-15). Six tries scored in Tokyo, a dominant pack: Fabien Galthié’s much-changed side raised their level match after match.
Above all, no other northern nation can now catch France over these three rounds. Ireland, beaten at Eden Park (21-40), are stuck on 10 points. Scotland, England and Wales are too far back to hope for top spot this summer.
The weight of bonus points
The detail matters. Of their 12 points, France have four in bonuses, two of them taken in the defeat to the All Blacks (attacking and losing). A valuable cushion, which kept them in front despite that opening reverse.
That is also the limit of the exercise: this table rewards consistency and attacking intent as much as raw results. A system France have exploited perfectly.
The autumn will be harder
The draw changes in scale in November. After New Zealand, Australia and Japan, France will face South Africa, Argentina and Fiji in their three return matches. That means the double world champions, a solid Argentina and an unpredictable Fiji.
Ireland, also top of their half of the draw on matches played, inherit the same trio. The duel at a distance between the two nations will therefore be fought on equal terms, but on a markedly tougher schedule than the summer’s.
Setting a course for the final
What is at stake is clear: finishing top of your conference after the six rounds opens the door to the final. In that race, France have moved ahead and will go into the autumn with their senior men back.
Top spot in the summer guarantees nothing, but it casts France as contenders. See you in November to find out whether the underlying game holds up against the elite of the southern hemisphere.
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